The Amish Project

Date:

Friday, November 4th 2016

Time:

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Cost:

$10

Event Description

. The Illinois State University School of Theatre and Dance presents one performance of The Amish Project by Jessica Dickey in Westhoff Theatre on Friday November 4, 2017 at 7:30pm. An invited dress rehearsal will be open to current ISU students free of charge at 3pm. The Amish Project is a fictional retelling of the 2006 Nickel Mines shooting. One woman channels a kaleidoscope of voices in reaction to a true life mass shooting in an Amish schoolhouse. Focusing on the aftermath of the tragedy and the Amish community?s reaction toward the widow of the gunman, the play demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the ripple effect of compassion. This production features award-winning actress Marianne Savell, and was directed by School of Theatre and Dance faculty member Robert Quinlan. The two originally staged the play at Seattle?s Taproot Theatre, and later at the Fire Exit Theatre in Calgary. The event is sponsored by the Harold K. Sage Foundation and the University Foundation Fund, as well as the Alice and Fannie Fell Trust.
According to the South Seattle Emerald, ?Savell?s performance was brilliant?each time (she) performed a different character, it was with the same specificity and care. Her unwillingness to make any character a stereotype made each one human.? Arts Stage said of The Amish Project, ??with no props but a window, chair and cigarette, Savell manages to present a community and, with its members, a message of tolerance and forgiveness.?
An interview with Marianne Savell discussing the process of rehearsing and performing The Amish Project can be found here:

The performance will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Savell, Quinlan, and members of the School of Social Work faculty. The performance runs approximately 75 minutes followed by a 15 minute discussion. Additional artistic staff include School of Theatre and Dance students James Morrison as the lighting designer and Emily Quick as the Stage Manager. The sound was designed by New York based artist Ryan Hopper.
For tickets or additional information, contact the College of Fine Arts Box Office, located in the Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 309-438-2535, or purchase tickets online by visiting ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $10 general admission. Performance parking is available for free in the School Street Parking Deck in spots 250 and above, 400 W. Beaufort Street, Normal.

If you will need special accommodations, please contact the event organizer.